Tank POV
I've been in a lot of bad situations in my life. Wars, combat zones, went through hell doing Ranger training, have been tortured and kidnapped in Colombia by rebels and I rather deal with that all over again then spend an evening with Grandma Mazur. She isn't old and sweet like most woman her age. She is old yeah but feisty, horny, and likes to try and feel you up or pinch your butt and say suggestive comments. She is also very trigger happy and gets into trouble herself. Everyone likes to blame the funeral fire on Steph but Grandma Mazur was there too and probably instigated it in some way.
Unlike Steph where strange things happen to her out of no fault of her own, Grandma Mazur looks for trouble for the excitement. Her background was very similar to Helen Plum. Married right out of high school to the same man until Stephanie turned 28 and then he passed away. No jobs listed, receives social security every month and has some savings from selling her row house along with a little life insurance from her husband's death. Her husband worked at the steel mill his whole life and now she resides with the Plum's for the last 5 years. Credit card history was similar to Mrs. Plum's before her husband's death but after his passing she spent a lot more time shopping at the pleasure treasures and the clip n curl. It's weird too she goes to as many viewing as she does. I hate going to viewings and she goes to a few a week to check and see if there is an open casket. When there isn't she tries to open it. I've watched her do this on more then one occasion and no matter how horrible someone's death is she has to see it.
It's a bit on the gruesome side for a woman her age to have that as a hobby. Steph has told me she goes more often to gossip and use it as a social situation but I watch her fill up on cookies too. I think it also gives her a reason for her to dress up and meet men. Why she just can't go to a senior center or to bingo to find someone I don't know. I hate to put on a suit so I drove over to the funeral home in my Rangeman uniform in my black SUV. I parked a little ways down and got out to wait for her to come out. It took about 30 minutes but she came out with a gaggle of women. She noticed the SUV right away and bounced over to me.
"Hey big fella, what are you doing here? Do you need a hot date tonight? I'm single and just found a new cherry lube I've been dying to try out." She wiggled her eye brows at me and I felt all the blood drain from my face. I've faced harden criminals and yet this woman makes me more uncomfortable then them.
"No ma'am but I do need to talk to you. Let me give you a ride home."
"It's Edna sexy. You are quite a tall glass of water. Do you have a big package?" She started to stare at my crotch like she was trying to imagine it. And I instinctively placed my hands in front of it.
"You know Ranger has an excellent package and a body like Micheal Angelo. I saw it in Atlantic City and I know if I tried to ride that it would probably kill me but I'd die a very very happy woman. I asked my baby granddaughter how he handles it and she won't tell me. She just kept blushing and told me to forget what I saw but it's hard to forget that mental picture." She wiggled her eye brows at me. Ranger never told me she saw him naked. I'm going to have to give him shit about it when he gets home since he gives me a hard time about my three cats.
"Mrs. Mazur! Please I don't need to know that! I just need to speak to you about Stephanie and my name is Tank." Her interest was now peaked.
"Hmm Tank... you must be a big boy." She winked at me. "Hold on a minute let me just go tell the girls so they don't wait for me." She walked over to the women and talked briefly to them. They looked at me a few times and giggled a little then said their goodbyes." She was a small woman so I opened the door to the SUV for her and helped her get inside. We stayed parked for a few minutes.
"So what's cooking good looking? You said you needed to talk about Steph and I heard she is working for Rangeman undercover, is their a problem? Do you need me undercover too? I've always wanted to be a spy. I have my own gun and I can seduce men if you need me too for information." I gripped the steering wheel and really wanted to bang my head into it a few times.
"No Mrs. Mazur." She narrowed her eyes at me. "Edna I mean. No. I was just interested to know if anything unusual happened the day Steph went missing. Did anyone stop by the house or any strange phone calls to Mr. or Mrs. Plum, notes in the mailbox?"
" Why do you ask? I was told she was found and ok? Why do you need to know?" Because I think your son in law is hiding something.
"I don't like loose ends. When I called he seemed to know Steph was ok before we did. I'd like to know how. Ranger pays me to be thorough."
"He does take good care of her. I like him so much more then Morelli and not because he is batman and is rich, sexy, dangerous and drives hot cars. I like him because he seems to always be good to Steph while Morelli always seems to lose his cool around her." She likes to go off on tangents, I need to refocus her.
"Anything suspicious you've seen Edna?"
"Let me think... that day was normal. Frank went on his cab runs in the morning and afternoon then came home to watch tv and eat dinner. I was at the clip and curl that morning and Helen went to Giovanni's to get stuff for lunch and dinner. Only a few people called that day talking about Karen Slobodsky's new boob job and Joyce Barnhardt's new engagement to some old guy in Princeton that she will suck dry leaving him penny less and divorced.
We also got a few calls about the explosion and shots at Pino's. Man I was so upset I missed all the action! I would have shot back and chased the bad guys down. I miss all the good stuff. I also got a call from Julie Morelli, Joe's cousin telling me she had on good authority from Mrs. Morelli and Grandma Bella that Joe was going out of town and him and Steph were kaput for the long haul. They tend to break up a lot so I didn't put much effort into thinking about that. I didn't see Frank get any calls after dinner or that night and neither did Helen. Neither was acting unusual when we went to bed. I sleep like a log so if anything happened in the middle of the night I wouldn't know. Not even a train going through the house would wake me."
"What about that morning I called. Tell me about that day."
"Helen and I got up early and made breakfast for Frank. The phone started to ring pretty early telling us Steph had been missing probably kidnapped and Morelli was out of town but the police and Rangeman were investigating. That was a dozen or so calls. Helen made her coffee Irish that morning and tried to call Steph a few times. When she couldn't reach her she just kept leaving messages and making more Irish coffee. I was fighting to take the bottle away from her. She gets that bad habit from her father. I told Frank what happened and he didn't seem worried. He said he was sure she would be found and we shouldn't worry. He also said she probably just took some time away because he heard the rumors too about Morelli and Steph being donesville."
"Is that his usual behavior when he hears about Steph in danger or in trouble?"
"We usually don't hear things until after something has already happened so yeah he was acting his normal self listening and just eating then took the cab out to do his runs. The rest of the day was just calls about the rumors and gossip and some time later we heard from Connie Rosolli that Steph was found and fine relaxing on a beach somewhere probably in Miami re energizing then took a job for Rangeman somewhere under cover and would be out of contact for a while." I didn't tell Connie that I said rest and relaxation and a undercover job.
"She is okay right?" Ranger said she was.
"Yes. Like I said I just don't like loose ends."
"Is she with that Sexy Ranger right now. That's where I'd want to be too."
"No Ranger is away on business."
"Damn shame not to be able to enjoy a sexy man like that." I put the car in drive.
"Anything else I should know that pertains to that night. Is your son in law or daughter acting unusual?"
"No. They are just doing their usual routine. I like to spice it up. If your ever interested in walking the wild side you can have my number." HELL NO.
"No thank you Edna! Let me take you home now. But I'd appreciate if we kept this conversation to ourselves. I want to keep my investigation on the down low to acquire accurate information. If any one asks you about this ride just say Steph told Rangeman to make sure you always got home safe if she wasn't available. And let me know if you hear anything or see anything strange. Here is my card. If I don't pick up leave me a message day or night."
"Is Rangeman hiring right now? I've been looking for something to fill my time with and I have experience. Occasionally my baby granddaughter lets me help her on big cases and lets me be her partner to go bounty hunting. I asked Vinnie for job before but he told me I'm too old. I asked Morelli once how to become a cop too and he told me their is an age restriction too but I think that's all a horses patoot since I already have my own gun and handcuffs." Ranger would kill me if I gave her a job. He would knock me out and send me in a crate somewhere naked to a third world country and maybe give me a butter knife to defend myself if he was feeling generous. She would also figure out where Ranger lived and try to get up their as much as possible.
"No Edna we have a full staff." While that was mostly true I did have the discretion to hire when needed while Ranger was away. They would be on probation until Ranger signed off on them but still he would be pissed if he had to deal with Steph's grandma everyday. The only person I could hire outright without a probation period was Steph and I think deep down Ranger wanted her to work for his company so he could be around her more, but also to keep her safe and well paid. He is a very independent person like Steph and he doesn't want to step on her toes, so I know he offers her the odd jobs once in a while hoping one day she becomes a full time employee eventually without pushing her into the decision.
"Well let me know in the future. It's definitely my kind of job. Good looking men, I get to carry a gun and arrest people and get a company car." I tried not to laugh, it took all my training. I could just imagine her in action. She doesn't even have a driving license anymore. I wonder if this is what Steph will be like in 40 years.
"I'll let Ranger know."
I dropped Mrs. Mazur off and Helen Plum was waiting at the door with a confused look on her face. We said our goodbye's and she walked to the door. I made sure she got safely inside and I heard Mrs. Plum ask why she was with me. I could have sworn I heard her reply "Hot date" and saw her daughter make the sign of the cross and pray.
I didn't receive a lot of useful information from Mrs. Mazur but at least I had a mole now in the Plum house. Even if she did call and I was able to answer the call I'd still let it go to voice mail so we wouldn't have another uncomfortable conversation. My next step was to wait until Mrs. Plum and Mrs. Mazur went to church on Sunday morning and Frank Plum went on his pick ups in the cab to search the house. I think I'll definitely skip Mrs. Mazur's room and make Cal or Ramon check her drawers and closets. Their are just too many things you can't unsee and I'm betting Mrs. Mazur has a lot of it. Just thinking about it makes me want to go home and clean myself with Bleach and keep my cats close to me for comfort.
SPOV
Being in the clear water topless was a freeing experience. Ranger has seen me naked before so I wasn't that nervous and the rest of the people on the beach were far enough away that they couldn't get a decent look anyway. Even if they had its not like they know who I am and will call my Mother telling her I'm pouncing around in just bikini bottoms on the stage for the whole world to see. It was freeing not being Stephanie Plum for a while. It was nice having some space and not being in a snow globe for the burg to comment on my choices.
Ranger watched me in the water for a while still aware of his surroundings but to a passer by it looked like he was just enjoying the beach and sun bathing. He was starting to grow a little bit of a beard which made his teeth whiter and skin a little darker. I wish I could tan like him. I burn badly and ugly if I don't reapply sun tan lotion often and vigorously. The water felt so cool and warm on my skin and I often looked down in the clear water to see what I was stepping on and looking for aquatic life. I try to do the same at the Jersey shore but the water is so dark you can't see a thing and you often step on shells or feel seaweed around your legs. I won't even talk about my fear of finding any medical waste but I grew up with it.
I've heard Greece has dolphins, whales, sea turtles and sharks which is also why I am keeping my eyes open in the water. The turtles I can handle the sharks I can't. I'd probably scream then pee myself and get eaten while Ranger attempts to save me from a horrible death. I've seen a few fish but none of them have gotten too close to me. I wish I had a camera to document this but I understand Ranger's rules. This is his safe place and we're not suppose to be here, so if anyone knew he could be in danger in the future if he needed to hide out. I didn't see Ranger leave his post on the beach but I felt him behind me before he put his arms around my stomach and lifted me up around in the water.
"Hey you scared all the fish away from me." I playfully swat at him.
" It's best not to mess with the wild life Babe, you never know when you'll come across the wrong species."
"What does that mean? Are the fish poisonous? I know about the sharks but were any of those fish dangerous?"
"No those around you were fine. Their are a few known poisonous fish in the waters here but mostly you need to keep a look out for jelly fish and sea urchins. Sea urchins are usually by the rocks so keep a look out and wear your shoes around any rocks. I just scared away the fish because its better to be safe then sorry."
"I was hoping to get my little mermaid on and find a crab or a sea turtle. I can't believe how clear the water is." He looked at me oddly.
"It's a Disney movie with the singing crab who sings about being under the sea and the evil queen who looks like an octopus." He gives me a small smile.
"I have cousins I've heard of it. I wasn't born at 30. I was just thinking maybe we could scuba drive or snorkel but we'd have to do it privately somewhere. It would be just us and an instructor. It would be hard to defend us if I don't have a lot of weapons close by. I could keep diving knives on me but I can't watch you and our surroundings if other people are with us or watching us from the beach."
"That would be awesome I have never done either!"
"No promises, we will look into both options but safety comes first."
"Yes sir." I gave him a mock salute and put my arms around his neck while I jumped up and wrapped my legs around his waist. I gave him a big kiss because it has been way too long since my lips touched his. It was nice and relaxing in the water with Ranger. We just floated around and splashed each other and looked at the aquatic life.
"It's nice being here. I thought I'd be more home sick but the only thing I am missing is Rex, tasty cakes and Boston cremes. It's nice that no one knows us here. It's a lot more freeing then being in the microscope of Trenton. Sometimes I feel like I can't even sneeze without getting a call 5 minutes later asking if I'm sick from my mother because someone saw me rubbing my nose on a tissue. I see why you like the quiet so much. I didn't get it for a long time because I always preferred noise but I do now."
"It's your life you have the power to change it. You could move further from the burg line and be closer to Hamilton or Ewing line but still live in Trenton. Could cut down on people reporting about you." He made a good point. I've thought of that on and off for years but I was lazy and moving was a pain in the butt.
"Moving is a pain in the ass. I have a ton of stuff but I like the crazy old people in my apartment building. I like that Mrs. Bestler thinks the elevator is a department store and Dillion is willing to do my repairs for a case of beer. I like that they haven't evicted me yet for all my fires and mishaps too the past 3 years. It doesn't seem like it but we all look out for each other and I've lived there since my divorce. Nine years is a long time and the rent is cheap. It's also close to the bonds office and only 10 minutes to my parents or Rangeman. I know its ugly and has crappy furniture but its home for me and Rex. I'll never say never into moving but I'd have to find a place I really liked and could afford to do it that as long as it wasn't a crazy commute to everyone."
I never put a ton of thought into moving but being away from the burg this much might sway me sooner rather then later. Change is scary for me but sometimes change can be good. Something to leave on the back burner.
" I've been thinking about my Uncle Ethan again. I don't think he was a business man." I whispered that last part more to myself then to Ranger. "He never wore suits around me and you somehow got a letter from him but you said you didn't recognize the person I described to you which means he didn't give it to you himself. He used a middle man your contact for when you go into the wind whoever that is. Is there anyway you can contact that person who gave you the note to get more information from him?"
"No. Even if I did know a number for him he could have compromised the safe house and by contacting him looking for information it could compromise Ethan too. I was ordered not to open it and just give it to you when I met you. I don't think my contact knew what was in the letter either. Even if he opened it he wouldn't know how to solve the code only you would be able to. It's unusual to pass notes like this. I have never done that before."
"You knew me as Rose which means he must have set this whole thing up. I don't understand how or why. I've thought of all my enemies and they are all small time and in Trenton. The government wouldn't intervene on my behalf unless it was something big. All you keep telling me is I am in danger but you don't know from who. I've asked you why and you said its classified which I think is pure bullshit but I know you can get into a lot of trouble telling me things you aren't allowed too so I don't blame you."
"You have a code and you stick to it. My only logical guess is this is about me and Ethan. I was taken because he spent time with me growing up and no one else in my family except for an occasional conversation with my dad. I always knew him as a friend of my parents but mostly my Dad. He didn't grow up in Trenton, he didn't have a Jersey accent and he didn't know anyone in the burg. My dad isn't that social. He has burg friends he grew up with and army friends he never really kept in contact with. Then he had work friends from the post office and cab company."
"My dad also hangs out with the guys at the lodge the most. Ethan doesn't fit in any of those categories but the army. Since my guess is he was or is still in the army and I received a note from you then you both work for the government in some capacity. I'd bet a tasty cake on it. But the golden question is why? Why am I so important? He hasn't seen me in years and even when he did it wasn't for long. Does any of this make sense to you?"
" I've told you everything I can and I wasn't told much at all. My objective is to protect you but it makes sense now that White and I were sent to guard you. If the threat level was high enough we would need two people, one for cover and the second to extract. You have good instincts so your guess is better then mine but it makes sense."
'Thanks for letting me ramble." I put my hand on his cheek and gave him a long kiss. I could feel the stress leaving my body and soaking up some of Ranger's strength in the process. After a few minutes Ranger hugged me and started tracing his fingers up and down my arm.
"Babe your getting pink, lets get out so I can reapply the lotion and re hydrate us. We can stay here as long as you like today." I don't know who that was more of a treat for him or me. Just picturing Ranger rubbing lotion on to my naked breasts and my thighs while he wore swim trunks has been a fantasy of mine.
RPOV
Babe thinks she rambles on but the way her mind takes information and processes it from different angles then narrows it down to a plausible theory fascinates me. The army taught me how to process information and think which has been my go to for years but it doesn't always solve my problems. When I had a major security breach and thought I had an inside job at my company I could have bet a large chunk of money it was one of my men. I was 99% sure Tank wasn't involved but we had been working to try and solve it together for a month before I brought Babe into the mix.
I was running out of options, clients were scared and unhappy, some were trying to get out of contracts unless their rates reduced and it was a headache that was tarnishing my reputation I worked hard to build. Steph thinks out of the box so I brought her in and in under a week she solved my problem. I was embarrassed those punk kids got one over on me after all the training I've had but Babe is a natural. You can't teach what she has. Morelli likes to say it's pure luck on her part but its mostly natural born talent with some luck thrown in. He doesn't give her enough credit but loves to take credit when she solves his cases. When I tell her I am proud of her I really am. She constantly surprises me.
I have been thinking about Ethan too since she showed me his note and told me about him. I don't think I have ever met him but I had a feeling he wasn't a business man either. The code was pretty advanced, nothing I've done before but it was old school and unique. What also tipped me off was when she said her mother was openly rude to him. I've been to the Plum house numerous times uninvited with Steph and I was always welcomed to the table for food or a drink no matter what I was wearing how I looked at the time.
Same goes for my men and not all of them look like nice guys. Cal for instance has a flaming skull tattoo on his forehead and has even eaten at the table without being sent away. I also thought it was curious Helen Plum would go on a drinking spree when he was with Babe too. It means she was stressed out. I'm not surprised Ethan said anything to Mr. Plum. If I was spending time with a child and saw one of their parents drunk I'd say something too. I thought back to the file. It said her biological mother died on a mission but didn't outright say who her biological father was. It's a 50/50 chance Ethan could be. He did visit her and spend time with her but it could have just been someone who knew her mother and felt it was their duty to check on the girl.
I've sent money to wives of fallen friends when they have died in combat when I knew their spouses were struggling back home with kids. It's not unusual to look out for one another. I know I can't tell Babe about her biological parents but I am hopeful Ethan will. His note said he would explain. It's his story and right to tell her, I just hope he tells her before she figures it out on her own. She is intelligent and has luck, it wouldn't surprise me if she did figure it out on her own but I know she would be hurt by the revelation. She would be hurt by her family for being lied to this whole time and hurt Ethan did as well. He was such a support to her as a child I know she will feel betrayed. She may even hate me for not telling her but I have no choice in this instance and I think deep down she would be angry with me at first then understand and forgive me with time because of her gentle heart.
I've been thoroughly rubbing Babe with lotion making sure I touched every spot on her body sometimes kissing her along the way. She really is beautiful when she lets herself relax. I didn't tell her but I'm hoping were here for a while.
"I like your strong hands massaging me, makes me feel like Jello." I gave her lips a playful nip then a kiss."Explain to me how we know when it's time to go home. My birthday is coming up in a few weeks and I was kinda hoping to still be here to celebrate it. I know that's horrible to say and I'm sure you want to get home to run your company but I've never been out of the country before and I was hoping to make this birthday memorable this year."
"I call a certain number on the last day of the month every month until a code word is left for me and at the same time it sends word back that I have checked in."
"What happens if you miss a check in?"
"Depends. If I miss one check in it doesn't send off any alarms right away. I have a week to check in again usually but if I miss that again it sends warning bells off and usually Tank is notified." Babe was holding her breath while I told her all this. I kissed her forehead again and grabbed some watermelon for us to snack on.
"Eat up and then we can go back into the water." She gave me a big smile then.
